1. to pass slowly through a porous substance or small holes
2. to spread gradually or become known slowly
3. to brew coffee by allowing hot water to pass through ground coffee beans

Examples

• Water percolates through the soil after heavy rain.
• The coffee percolates slowly in the old pot.
• News of the scandal percolates through the community.
• Groundwater percolates down through layers of rock.
• The idea percolates among the team members.
• Steam percolates from the hot springs.
• Information percolates up from lower management.